California-based electric bus maker Proterra announced that Park City Transit has deployed Utah’s first zero-emission, battery-electric mass transit fleet, which will include six Proterra Catalyst FC+ buses.

Selected to serve the region’s renowned ski resort community, the Proterra fleet supports Park City’s and Summit County’s transition toward renewable energy and the reduction of its overall carbon footprint. With one of the nation’s most ambitious climate targets, Park City is laying a path for a net-zero carbon footprint for its municipal operations by 2022 and a Summit County area-wide net-zero carbon footprint by 2032 by implementing Proterra’s proven transit technology.

With its deployment of Proterra vehicles, the Park City region will become the first mountain resort community in the United States to operate a highly efficient, battery-electric transit service. Nicknamed the “Electric Xpress,” the free transit service will provide clean, quiet, and efficient transportation to residents and tourists throughout several neighborhoods, including Park City Resort, Canyons Village, Silver Springs, Silver Lake Village, Empire Pass and Park Meadows.

The Park City region deployment not only marks the first battery-electric transit fleet for Utah and the nationwide mountain resort industry, it also represents the first implementation of Proterra’s innovative battery-lease financing model.

To address some of the cost barriers that have previously deterred transit agencies from transitioning to battery-electric vehicles, this new financing model enables agencies to purchase electric buses at approximately the same price or less than fossil fuel-based alternatives.

Park City Transit received financing for the six Proterra electric buses through an extremely competitive Low-No Emissions Grant with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“While Proterra buses are operating in innovative cities throughout the country, it’s especially exciting to see our battery-electric transit technology improving the air quality and overall rider experience in an iconic mountain community like Park City,” said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Park City and Summit County in the coming months and encourage other resort communities to follow its lead by implementing battery-electric, zero-emission transit systems.”